Key facts
- Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and MP, died at age 78.
- Police are investigating her death as a murder after she was found with serious injuries at her home.
- A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation.
- Widdecombe had a political career spanning from 1987 to 2010 as an MP and later served as an MEP.
- She was known for her socially conservative views and later gained popularity through television appearances.
Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Member of Parliament, has died at the age of 78. Police have launched a murder investigation into her death after she was found with serious injuries at her home in Devon. A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Widdecombe, who served as an MP from 1987 to 2010, was known for her uncompromising and often divisive political stances, particularly on social issues. She held junior ministerial positions under Prime Minister John Major. After leaving Parliament, she transitioned to a media career, gaining a new fanbase through appearances on shows like Strictly Come Dancing, where she was noted for her willingness to embrace humour despite her strong moral convictions.
Her final media appearance was on Talk TV on Wednesday, where she praised Nigel Farage's decision to step down from his parliamentary seat. The following day, she was found dead at her home. Throughout her career, Widdecombe remained a staunch social conservative, opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and was critical of same-sex couples on Strictly Come Dancing.
Friends and colleagues remembered her as a straight-talker. Anton Du Beke, her Strictly partner, described her as a 'real friend' and 'fun, upbeat, and positive'. Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth called her a 'curious mix of Danny DeVito and Margaret Rutherford'. Her reputation for strong opinions was evident in her parliamentary career, including controversial remarks as prisons minister and her criticism of colleagues.